(rev) Manual Pt 2-3 Spiral Learning

Curriculum Manual

25

SPIRAL LEARNING AN EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT How we might view the structure of our total programme of Theological Education. AN EXAMPLE

Thirty Courses

CHURCH LEADERSHIP

< Degree Level (Conceptual, Arguing a Case)

Twenty Courses

LOCAL CHURCH MINISTRY Ten Courses

< Diploma Level (Comprehension, Biblical Studies)

Family Life

DISCIPLESHIP Church Life Society

Three areas of “relationship” FAMILY LIFE, CHURCH LIFE and SOCIETY – form the core of each course in the above curriculum, which is constructed on three levels. These themes are expanded as the level of study rises each time they return round the spiral. Thus SPIRAL LEARNING builds on what has been previously learnt about any given subject.

DISCUSSION

Degree F.L. Ch.L. S. Diploma Certificate SPIRAL LEARNING

< Certificate Level (Emphasis on: Facts & Examples)

Note: All four learning domains – cognitive (knowing), sapiential (understanding), functional (doing) and affective (being) – must be advanced together. There is always a danger that knowledge and understanding will advance at the expense of skills and personal development and that knowledge and skills will squeeze out understanding and personal development.

Curriculum Manual

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What are the advantages of applying the principle of Spiral Learning to curriculum planning? What constraints might it also put upon curriculum construction?